IND vs AUS: Will a rain washout affect India's chances to semi-finals? What happens to Australia?
While India secured victories against Afghanistan and Bangladesh, positioning themselves strongly for a spot in the semi-finals, Australia suffered a defeat against Afghanistan, complicating their path to the Top 4.
Team India
Having maintained an unbeaten streak so far, Team India will face a wounded Australia in their final Super 8s match at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia. While the Men in Blue secured victories against Afghanistan and Bangladesh, positioning themselves strongly for a spot in the semi-finals, the Aussies suffered a defeat against Afghanistan, complicating their path to the Top 4.
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As fans anticipate an exciting clash and hope to see India seek revenge for their ODI World Cup loss, one concern looming over the match is the heavy rain that hit the city on Sunday. Weather agencies are predicting a significant chance of rain today, potentially affecting the India vs Australia game scheduled for 8 PM IST.
What happens if the India vs Australia match is washed out?
If rain intervenes, it would favour India, who currently lead the group with 2 wins from 3 matches, securing their spot in the semi-finals. However, Australia would face a significant disadvantage, ending up with just three points. The reigning ODI champions would then rely on either a washout or a Bangladesh victory in their game against Afghanistan.
In the event of both matches being washed out, Australia would surpass Afghanistan based on Net Run Rate (NRR). Conversely, if Bangladesh wins, Afghanistan would exit the tournament with two points, compared to Australia's three.
In the alternate group, South Africa and England have already guaranteed their places in the semi-finals, while the four teams from Group 1 in the Super Eight stage are competing for the remaining two spots.
What happens if Australia loses to India?
While neither team faces a must-win situation, Australia would be in a precarious position with a loss. India, despite a favourable NRR providing some cushion, still faces the possibility of missing out on a semi-final slot as well.
What happens if India loses to Australia?
India currently holds four points and an NRR of 2.425, placing them in a strong position to qualify for the semi-finals. However, a loss could see them overtaken by both Australia and Afghanistan, provided Afghanistan defeats Bangladesh in the final Super 8s match. Should India secure a spot in the semi-finals, their knockout match will be held in Guyana on June 27.
What are Afghanistan's chances?
The side, now holding two points and a net run rate of -0.650, revived their semi-final hopes with a crucial win over Australia. They can clinch a spot in the final four by defeating Bangladesh. Afghanistan will also want India's help and wants them to win against Australia to improve their chances of reaching the semi-finals.
Bangladesh – Could they still reach the final 4?
The Tigers must secure a win in their last Super 8s match and hope for assistance from India. If India defeats Australia, Bangladesh will need to defeat Afghanistan convincingly to enhance their NRR, surpassing both Afghanistan and Australia in the standings.